Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Prevention and early diagnosis play critical roles in the fight against skin cancer.

The good news is skin cancer can be detected early by knowing your skin and watching for changes. A bump that appears, a spot that bleeds, a mole that changes, a scaling red spot, or an area that is sore to the touch should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist.

Causes: There are many reasons for skin cancer, but it is most commonly due to a history of sunburn and exposure to a lot of sun as a youth. Also at risk are individuals with fair skin, light colored eyes, and freckles and those who have a greater than average number of moles or a family history of skin cancer or melanoma. Individuals with chronic, repeated, or prolonged sun exposure, such as those who reside in warmer climates, work outdoors, engage in outdoor activities (i.e. golf and sailing), and use tanning booths are also at risk of developing skin cancer.

Symptoms: Below are the three main types of skin cancer and their symptoms.

Basel Cell Carcinoma

Basel Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and may appear as:

A dome shaped papule, shiny like a pearl, pink or skin colored, with or without a small red blood vessel.

An “acne like” lesion that never goes away.

A red scaling red patch.

A lesion that bleeds easily.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and may appear as:

Hard, red lump with or without a crusty surface.

A red scaling patch.

A lesion that bleeds easily.

A hard crusted “horn” that grows very rapidly.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and may appear as:

Pigment that appears suddenly, grows quickly, or does not look like other moles.

A mole that changes size, borders, or grows asymmetrically.

A mole that has varied colors, such as brown, black, pink, red, or blue.

A mole that bleeds or becomes elevated while turning dark.

A streak in a fingernail or toe nail.

Treatment: Skin cancer is treatable when detected early and has a high cure rate.

Seek medical attention when suspicious lesions appear or a change in a mole is detected. A total body exam is suggested annually and more frequently in individuals at high risk or with a history of skin cancer. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the skin cancer, which may include but is not limited to, freezing, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Testimonials

Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.

It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.

Perry Robins, MDProfessor Emeritus of Dermatology , New York University Medical Center

Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.

Stephen J. FanningPresident and CEO, Thermage, Inc.

Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.

Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.

Jerry PuorroPresident, Candela Laser Corporation

Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.

Paul SowyrdaPresident, Dermatology Development Corp.

I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!

Rose Sinay

We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology

Mark Lakernik, M.D.Director of Clinical Research, Syneron

I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.

Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.

Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.

Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.

Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.

I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.

Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.

Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.